Everything you need to know about them
Contrary to the name, these devices are not used for lighting, but to purify or scent the air in our interior spaces. We fill the lamp's decorative glass bottle with the fragrance essence (specially prepared for this purpose), which is actually an alcohol solution. Then we dip the (also special) wick into this solution, at the end of which is the so-called flint (also known as a kindling stone). By lighting the flint and then blowing it off, the catalytic reaction can be started, during which (independently occurring process) flameless combustion occurs, the air is purified and the fragrances are released.
But how exactly do we use these lights and what should we pay attention to?
STEPS OF USE
CHOOSE AND LOAD
The first step is to choose a fragrance. It is important to choose only liquid made for catalytic lamps, which are alcohol solutions, and never fill your lamp with other types of oil-based volatile substances. These can be flammable. Among the special liquids that are suitable for us, there is an aroma-free, i.e. neutral liquid, which purifies the air without fragrance, and we can also buy a fragrance liquid mixed with aromas. The effectiveness of the latter (i.e. how well they are able to suppress bad odors and how strong the scent is) depends on the intensity of the aroma-enriched liquid we choose, and on the size of the room (air space) in which we use our lamp. In general, we can say that a room or hall of up to one hundred square meters can be cleaned or scented with one lamp. If we find the scent too intense, we can dilute the liquid mixed with aromas with a neutral liquid. In fact, you can even mix your own fragrance by combining two different fragrance liquids mixed by manufacturers.
THE WICK
In the second step (after filling the lamp with the chosen liquid), we place the wick inside. There should be enough liquid in the bottle so that the wick (and the flint) can absorb the volatile substance to a sufficient extent. This means (depending on the shape of the bottle) about two-thirds full. When filling for the first time, let the wick stand for at least twenty minutes, and only then can the third step be started.
LIGHT IT, extinguish it
Light the flint. Although we mentioned flameless burning above, when lighting a flint, a flame is produced, sometimes a high flame. Therefore, be sure to follow the safety instructions for your lamp, written by the manufacturer. But don't be afraid: a high flame is always short-lived, there is no need to worry about a serious fire hazard. After about two minutes of burning, blow out the flame (as if we were just extinguishing a factory), as the catalytic reactions only really start at this point. (Therefore, don't be surprised if you don't smell any odors before the flame is extinguished.)
ENJOY
From now on, there is nothing more to do. We can sit back and enjoy the purified air and the released scents. The lamp will do its job in about twenty to thirty minutes, but if we feel that our air is not clean enough yet, or if we want a little extra fragrance, we can continue to use it. When we find the air around us to be suitable, simply cover the flint with the lamp cap (this will end the catalytic reactions).
IT'S WORTH KNOWING
A wick lasts on average about two hundred and fifty lightings, which (depending on usage, of course) means about a year and a half of use. After that, simply buy a new wick and replace it with the old one in your lamp.
However, you don't need to buy a new wick when you want to switch from one scent to another (and without mixing the aromas). In such cases, all you have to do is dry out your existing wick. Since the liquids that can be filled into the lamps are alcoholic solutions, they will evaporate on their own when left in the air. Therefore, it is enough to leave the wick uncovered for thirty to sixty minutes, and when you feel that its material is completely dry to the touch, you can fill it with the new scented liquid (or rather, dip it in the liquid of the new scent). Our catalytic lamps here you know to view.
HISTORICAL INTEREST
The history of perfume lamps began in 1898, when the inventor, Maurice Berger (who was also a pharmacy laboratory assistant), wanted to create a device that could effectively and safely disinfect the air in enclosed hospital spaces. His enterprise was a success, as catalytic lamps can effectively combat bacteria, viruses, mold, and even mites.
Today, we can choose from thousands of exterior designs and scents to suit our taste, the style of our home, and even our everyday mood. If we want a cleaner and more refined atmosphere, catalytic lamps are a simple, safe, effective and aesthetic solution.